Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Mr. Malcolm Speed said that Grenada and its people should be proud of the role they have played in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Addressing members of the local media last Friday at
the Grenada National Stadium, Speed said Grenada as a
country should be more than proud of its achievement
having to recover from the effects of two major
hurricane with its entire infrastructure completely
destroyed to be able to recover to the point of
hosting a games of such magnitude.
Apart from the friendliness that goes with almost
everyone with whom he came into contact, Speed said
the construction of this magnificent stadium it clear
testimony that the country has made significant
strides towards recovery and is now well placed to
participate in the process of cricket development in
the region.
Looking at the overall impact of Cricket World Cup,
Speed said that, apart from few negative comments
that are normal for event like this and the death of
the Pakistan Coach Bob Wholmer, one can safely say
that Cricket World Cup 07 has meet its objectives.
Meanwhile, President of the West Indies Cricket
Board, Ken Gordon, has hinted that the systems are
now being put in place to ensure that stadiums built
for World Cup are properly managed to get the best out
of them in the post World Cup period.
Unveiling the Board’s new plans to Grenada’s Prime
Minister Dr. Hon Keith Mitchell during a press
conference, Gordon said given massive undertaking by
the various Governments to ensure that World Cup
happens it is now difficult to now relaxed and say
that’s the end.
Gordon said the Board has recognised its role in that
regard and is prepared to do all in its power to
ensure that under one management team the various
stadiums are properly managed.
The President said if properly managed the stadium
could become high income generating earners that could
result in significant benefit for the economies in the
region.
In a release circulated at the conference, it was
hinted that persons charged with the responsibility
of constructing the various pitch and field in the
different territories ensured that extra layers of
fibbers were added to allow for militia-purpose use of
those facilities.
It therefore means that the construction of a stage
on the ground using the right techniques, would not
permanently damage the field.
To get the ball rolling, the appointment of a capable
management in each country with the ability to manage
and market the venue, is essential thus creating that
link with the various sporting and cultural groups
locally, regionally and internationally.
It was also hinted that the local body would answer
to a regional body to be lead by St. Vincent
businessman Ken Boyae.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell,
welcomed the news hinting that it’s a step in the
right direction.
It is important to note, Mitchell said, that the
Board understands that it has a responsibility to the
various government who invested so much in stadium
facilities for Cricket World Cup.
Mitchell said it must be noted that stadium is not
only about cricket and sports, but it’s also about
empowering young people in the overall economic
development.
The Prime Minister said he is confident that the
proposal put forward by the Board can work to the
benefit of all concerned and for those who have doubt,
the staging of Cricket World Cup has shown that lots
can be achieve when the region work together.
